OKLAHOMA CITY – The upcoming 29 th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing was remembered in the Oklahoma House of Representatives on Tuesday with a special presentation. House Resolution 1037, authored by Reps. Rick West, R-Heavener, and Ellyn Hefner, D-Oklahoma City, recalls the events of the April 19, 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City and expresses gratitude to those who responded to the act of terrorism. The bombing resulted in the deaths of 168 people and injured more than 850 others. It is the worst domestic terrorist attack ever to occur in United States history. West, who worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture at the time of the bombing, lost seven co-workers that day. Each year that he's served as a state representative, he's presented a resolution in the House to remember his coworkers and others killed or injured in the terrorist bombing. "It is gut-wrenching to relive the events of the Oklahoma City bombing," West said. "But as legislators and Oklahomans, we have a responsibility. We've got people who were not born when this terrible atrocity happened, so it's up to the ones who remember to tell our stories so that we never, ever forget." Hefner said, "Today’s presentation was a solemn one as we remember those lost and honor the lives of countless others forever changed. The brutality of the attack brought out a brave and tender response." Tuesday's floor presentation featured several guest speakers, including Gov. Kevin Stitt. Oklahoma Agriculture Secretary Blayne Arthur told the emotional story of how her mother was killed in the bombing. Arthur was accompanied by her sister Rosslyn Biggs and their aunt Susan Winchester, who also serves as Gov. Stitt's Cabinet Secretary of Licensing and Regulation. Longtime family friend, Dr. Lee Denney, a former state representative, gave the closing prayer during Tuesday's ceremony. Also in attendance were Kari Watkins, director of the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, and members of her staff. A video produced by House Communications was shown, profiling several House and Senate sergeants who assisted in the recovery efforts after the bombing. The sergeants were recognized on the House floor as well. Acknowledged were: House sergeants Bobbie Barnett, Joe Bullock , Harvey Weathers and Nita Williams; House Chief of Security John Dawson; and Senate sergeants Rusty Higby and Stewart Meyer. Hefner said she is "proud to work alongside sergeants in the House and Senate who showed Oklahoma City their bravery and tenderness 29 years ago. Their stories and the painfully beautiful story Blayne Arthur and her sister Rosslyn Biggs shared will help us never forget." She said she also is grateful to Kari Watkins and the staff at the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum for "continuing the mission of the memorial and helping us never forget." The full text of HR1037 can be read here . The video of House sergeants sharing their memories can be seen here .
The Oklahoma House of Representatives on Monday passed a bill to eliminate the statute of limitations for rape in certain situations. Senate Bill 1658 from Sen. Jessica Garvin, R-Duncan, and House Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City, eliminates the statute of limitations for rape when DNA evidence emerges or when a suspect confesses to the crime. The current statute of limitations for rape when the victim is age 18 or older is 12 years. The bill passed the House unanimously after the measure was amended to include expanding the statute of limitations on the dissemination of revenge porn from 12 to 20 years. “Oklahoma needs to be tough on crime when it comes to heinous offenses such as rape,” Garvin said. “This is a common-sense measure that will allow prosecutors to charge rapists to the full extent of the law when DNA evidence or a confession comes to light. I thank Leader Echols for partnering with me to make this critical legislation even stronger by also cracking down on those who disseminate revenge porn.” "Every victim, regardless of when they suffered, deserves equal opportunity to see justice done," Echols said. "By eliminating the statute of limitations in cases where DNA evidence exists or a confession is obtained, we can end impunity for perpetrators and deliver justice for victims." This bill was requested by Attorney General Gentner Drummond. SB 1658 now returns to the Senate, where it previously passed with unanimous support.
Rep. John George, R-Newalla, on Monday, secured passage of a bill to increase penalties for strangulation offenses. Senate Bill 1211 would increase the punishment for assault and battery by strangulation or attempted strangulation against an intimate partner or household member from a maximum of three years to a maximum term of up to 10 years in prison. "Senate Bill 1211 recognizes the gravity of domestic violence and ensures that perpetrators are adequately punished for their crimes," George said. "Strangulation is a heinous crime that demands immediate acknowledgment of its severity. This legislation leaves no room for ambiguity about Oklahoma's stance on such behavior." Under the measure, an individual would be fined up to $20,000 for their first offense rather than having to acquire a second offense. George said this modification ensures that offenders face a severe punishment regardless of the number of times they have committed the offense. Oklahoma's Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board found that more than 100 victims were killed in domestic violence-related homicides in 2022, marking four consecutive years with more than 100 victims. Reflecting efforts to hold domestic abusers accountable, George authored a similar bill in the House. Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, serves as the Senate author for the measure. "Those who have experienced strangulation are at an exponentially higher risk of further abuse or death. Increasing the criminal punishment for strangulation is imperative as we must hold violent offenders accountable and also provide protection for victims who are at risk of further harm," Thompson said. "I appreciate the House for their support of this critical reform and putting it one step closer to becoming law." SB1211 passed the House 86 – 3 and now moves to the Governor's desk for consideration.